"Throughout time, Bards have
been the mortar that kept our people and history intact.
We have taught the people, soothed them when they were
frightened and made them laugh when they would despair."- guild leader Ezruh

Masters of Music, and well schooled in a wide range of
skills and lore, a Bard drinks in all he or she can
of the happenings of the lands and uses it to their
advantage. To attempt to define a Bard is to try to
put order to the sands on the shore -- they are warriors,
performers, wanderers, teachers, scholars... and much
much more.

A boon to any adventuring group, their area-affecting
magic can be instrumental to its survival and success.
Be sure to bring extra libations, for a Bard's job is
thirsty work.

About 180 years ago, a darkness fell upon the Guild
with their near extermination by the Dragon Priests,
silencing their voice and scattering their unity. The
spirit of Music was reawakened by the selfless acts
of Siryn -- and the voices of those who sang
for her. Much has been rebuilt since the Guild doors
were reopened, a new spirit and unity grows within that
portents to rival and surpass what once was a proud
and vibrant past.

Guild Locations

The Crossing
Considered by some the 'main' Guildhall for Bards, this
renovated structure is home to the famed Bard Silvyrfrost.
(You can type DIR BARD for directions.)

Riverhaven
Rebuilt upon the location of its predecessor, the Riverhaven
Guild stands tall with plenty of space for the Guild
Leader Ezruh and his companion Simon.

Shard
Sequestered in one of the city's many drinking establishments,
the Guild Leader Macfrae tends to his cups as
well as those Bards that pass by his table.

Ratha
Located in the Theater District of the third tier of
Ratha, Yaziyi's
workshop is more of an office for his repair work than
a true Guildhall. Still, he is always available to those
Bards who travel (or stumble) to his doorstep.

Requirements to Advance

Lore skills (chiefly
Musical Theory) are the main factor in a Bard's advancement.

Bards must also be competent in magic
skills and able to fight well with at least two
different weapons.

Vocal Technique
Anyone can sing, but a Bard is fully trained in using
his or her voice, lending to it a refined vocal range
(Examples: Tenor, Soprano, etc.). This vocal range stands
out when SINGing or CHANTing, or with
enough skill while leading a CHORUS of fellow
Guildmates.

Instrumental Technique
Bards who keep their focus on their instruments can
maintain a higher inspirational state, affording them
a greater performing skill that can affect all aspects
of their music.

Instrument Bonding[PLANNED]
Bards spend a great amount of time and effort in the
study of their instruments, and in doing so can develop
a deep connection with them to the point of forming
a bond. Little is known about the full extent of this
ability, and any historical records of what might have
existed have never been recovered...or so the Scholars
say.

PLAYACT
An advanced performance ability, PLAYACT allows
a Bard to perform with greater effect and clarity for
their audience. This is allowed in Tavern rooms where
drink and foodstuffs are sold, or in other special performance
rooms (dance floors, theaters). Your Guild Leader will
let you know when you can learn this.

Bardic RECALL
Bards are the tellers of stories and the keepers of
knowledge; they know countless stories of legends and
folklore, and they remember. This allows them to be
adept at learning information about the areas they visit
through numerous means -- local gossip, rumor, legends,
folklore, superstitions. With the right training, a
Bard can tune into the lands and RECALL what
was.

Enchantes
Bards use their skill with sound -- through their
music skills -- to weave Elemental mana into magic
songs called Enchantes.

Whistling
Over the years Bards have developed several special
techniques with whistling, from just being more
expressive to being able to distract enemies with
a piercing whistle. Rumor has it some Bards have
also learned to effectively communicate via whistling.

Bardic Screams
Many a story has been told of Bards who have mastered
the control of their voice to a degree where it
can be used as a weapon in battle. While many
of these legendary techniques have been lost,
there persist to this day stories of Bards vanquishing
their foes with a defiant scream.

Showmanship
Over the course of their career, Bards learn many
techniques to aid them in performance. Among them
are the ability to convincingly bluff their audience,
or slip in some dazzling sleight of hand tricks.
Bards have also been known to learn the art of
ventriloquism, throwing their voice onto props,
and, if stories are to be believed, even other
people.